Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Brain for Alcohol Use Disorder

Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Brain for Alcohol Use Disorder

This study aims to examine the effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) on brain activity in patients with alcohol use disorder.

This is a single-center, double-blind, controlled, randomized, complete block, 2-period crossover pilot trial. The study will assess target engagement of the ventral striatum after LIFU in patients with alcohol use disorder using resting state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female ≥ 18 years of age.
2. Documentation of an AUD diagnosis per DSM-5 criteria as evidenced by problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the DSM-5 criteria, occurring within a 12-month period.
3. Be willing to undergo a brain MRI and follow study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Presence of a condition or abnormality that would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
3. Non-English speaking.
4. Other investigational AUD treatments.
5. Primary psychosis, Bipolar I, or severe personality disorder.
6. Active suicidality or history of suicide attempt in the past 5 years.
7. Cognitive impairment (MoCA <24)
8. Significant medical or neurological disease, or life expectancy <12 mos.
9. Significant brain abnormality on brain imaging.
10. Any MRI exclusion criteria.